On Thursday 7th May last year I got the phone call. I was half expecting it but when the blocked number popped up on my screen the butterflies appeared. I picked up and little did I know that what Sherilyn was about to tell me would change my life.
The Marketing Academy is a leadership programme where personal development is at the heart of everything we do. We have the privilege of meeting CEOs, CMOs, learn from big brands and inspiring entrepreneurs, have a personal coach and then share our learning with our team, peers and network. But that’s not all. The Marketing Academy is so much more than that.
At our first bootcamp I was nervous. I felt out of depth. I was amazed by the others who were in my cohort and to be honest, I questioned how I even got there. My first challenge to tackle was clearly my own confidence and finding what Sherilyn and Camilla had seen in me.
After a lot of soul searching, talks with my coach and tips from mentors as well as just the sheer energy the Marketing Academy gives you I have turned into someone who knows what they want and that’s not afraid to fight for it. Although I haven’t solved the whole puzzle, the bits I have is helping me in the day to day, both in my role and personal life. It has helped me to have a better direction, be more vulnerable and authentic and develop leadership skills which are invaluable in the workplace. My journey and learning’s over the last 10 months has definitely been a contributing factor to my recent promotion.
Not only does the course provide incredible and rare learning opportunities, but it can also help you build your personal brand. At work the academy has given me a conversation starter with senior management. And externally I have been offered several speaking engagements at conferences, been interviewed for Marketing Week and other markeeters have reached out wanting to learn more. I have really started to build my personal brand.
I suck at networking. I find it uncomfortable and I don’t really like talking about myself, so I really admire those who are good at it. Through all the sessions we have as a scholar and the people we meet its set up for you to excel in networking. Now my little black book is full of contact information of the inspiring people I have met. And it doesn’t stop there; sometimes they have contacts they want to introduce you to as well. All of this is there if you want it, but it’s up to you. Only you.
The other 29 talented marketers are a joy to spend time with. Not only do I learn constantly from them, but there is a great atmosphere in the air every time we meet. Meeting and making friendships with like minded marketers is invaluable and really sets us all up for the future. Some of you may think we only chat about superficial topics when we meet – that couldn’t be further away from the truth. I have shared personal stories that some of my closest friends don’t even know, and there is always an undeniable trust and support from the cohort. I unfortunately lost two relatives during the course last year; and I was blown away with the support I got from my fellow marketeers. My new friends.
All those unknown benefits make the academy even more incredible. But those benefits are something you have to create yourself, but boy do they set you up to do so.
Get yourself nominated today. Create your own destiny. Take control of your future. And when you go through the application process make sure you are 100% yourself. Because you’ll only get the most of the marketing academy by being yourself.
Good luck!
